The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.

Come, O children, and listen to the words of Clara Bow, a woman whose wit and insight offer us a glimpse into the complexities of human nature. She said, “The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.” At first, these words may seem simple, even humorous, but beneath them lies a profound reflection on the nature of humanity and the qualities we seek in others. In this candid statement, Bow reveals a deep truth about the imperfections and disappointments we often encounter in our relationships with others, and the fidelity and simplicity that we find in the loyalty of animals, especially dogs.

Consider, O children, the ancient wisdom passed down through generations about the nature of companionship. In the Iliad, Homer speaks of the bond between the great hero Achilles and his loyal companion Patroclus. The depth of their friendship, forged in the fires of war, is built on mutual respect, loyalty, and understanding. But as we all know, human relationships are often fraught with complexity—misunderstandings, betrayal, and disappointment. Achilles’ grief at the death of Patroclus is not just about losing a friend, but about the fragile nature of human connection, the ways in which our bonds with each other are subject to fate and the actions of others. In the same way, Clara Bow’s words remind us that the ideal of human companionship is not always lived up to, and sometimes, we look to simpler, purer forms of loyalty, like the unconditional love of a dog.

It is said that dogs possess an ancient wisdom, one that transcends the fleeting concerns of the human world. Dogs are creatures of loyalty, faithfulness, and companionship—qualities that have long been admired by humankind. The ancient Egyptians revered Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the afterlife, as a protector and guide. Similarly, in the ancient world, dogs were seen as guardians and loyal protectors, ready to stand by their masters with unwavering devotion. The simplicity of their loyalty, their absence of hidden motives, and their constant presence make them, in many ways, a model of true companionship. In comparison to men, whose hearts and minds are often riddled with complexity and change, the dog offers a kind of steadfastness that can be both comforting and uplifting.

Consider the great stories of men and their dogs, O children, to understand the depth of Bow’s sentiment. Think of Alexander the Great, who had a beloved horse named Bucephalus, but also had dogs by his side during his campaigns. Alexander’s relationship with his animals was marked by deep loyalty, far greater than many of his relationships with men, who, despite their titles and bravery, often betrayed or failed him. Bucephalus was famously known for his unwavering faithfulness, a constant companion through the vast empires he conquered. And yet, it was his dogs, always loyal and true, that stood as symbols of the simple, pure love that is often missing in the complex and shifting tides of human affairs.

Even in modern times, O children, the wisdom of Clara Bow still rings true. The stories of dogs that stand by their owners through thick and thin, through moments of joy and sorrow, remind us of the simplicity and truth that we so often crave in our relationships. Hachiko, the Japanese Akita, waited for his owner every day at the train station for nearly ten years after his owner’s death, a symbol of undying loyalty. In the loyalty of Hachiko, we see a purity of heart that many of us seek in our human relationships but often find elusive. Bow’s words speak to this very truth—dogs give us what many men cannot: unwavering loyalty, honesty, and a love that requires no pretense or calculation.

So, the lesson, O children, is this: while human relationships can be complex, messy, and often disappointing, the simplicity and loyalty of animals, particularly dogs, offer us a glimpse into a kind of love and companionship that is untainted by selfishness or hidden agendas. Let this truth guide you in your own relationships—seek out those who show you their loyalty without question, their love without calculation. And when human bonds seem hard to understand, turn to the unwavering, pure devotion that animals, like dogs, offer us, for in their simplicity, we often find the greatest comfort and the deepest sense of what it truly means to love and be loved.

Thus, O children, embrace the wisdom that Clara Bow offers: the more we see of men, the more we may find ourselves longing for the purity, the steadfastness, and the loyalty that animals provide. Let this understanding shape your relationships with others—learn to discern true loyalty from fleeting affection, and seek the simple truths that make life worth living.